What does lithograph mean?
A lithograph is a print made through lithography, a printing process that allows an artist to create an image on a flat stone or another suitable surface and transfer it to paper. The term commonly refers to fine-art prints, many of which are numbered, signed, or issued in limited editions. It can also describe the act of making such a reproduction: an artist or publisher may lithograph a drawing so that multiple copies can be distributed. The word has a historical and artistic association, especially with nineteenth- and twentieth-century poster design, portraits, landscapes, and original prints. Although lithography is used for some commercial and decorative work, its cultural prestige often comes from its connection with artists and fine-print traditions. In everyday use, "litho" is a familiar shortened form, while the full word retains a more formal, specialist character.
A print or work of art produced by lithography, in which an image is drawn on a flat surface and transferred to paper.
"The artist signed and numbered the lithograph before releasing the edition."
Often used for collectible or fine-art prints; "litho" is an informal abbreviation.
To reproduce an image or design by lithographic printing.
"The studio lithographed the sketch and sold the resulting limited edition."
Relatively uncommon and more typical of artistic, publishing, or historical contexts.
The regular plural is "lithographs." When referring to an edition of prints, the number of copies may be given separately, as in "a lithograph edition of one hundred."
"Several original lithographs hang in the study."
Invented in the late eighteenth century by Alois Senefelder, lithography made it possible to print from a flat stone rather than a raised metal plate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lithograph come from?
The word is built from Greek lithos, meaning "stone," and graphein, meaning "to write" or "to draw." These roots entered English through the naming of the printing process, which was developed in the late eighteenth century by Alois Senefelder. The technique became established in English as a method for reproducing drawings and printed images without the need for a traditional raised printing plate.
Related word forms
How lithograph is actually used
The noun is used especially for works of fine art and decorative prints. The verb is less common and often sounds formal or historical. In informal art-related contexts, "litho" is used as an abbreviation.
Easily confused with lithograph
A lithograph is the finished print or artwork, whereas lithography is the printing process used to produce it.
A lithograph is made through a printing process, while an autograph is a handwritten signature or inscription.